Cenpeg | The Presidential Race and Accountability

Published on September 5, 2009

Minimum Expectation

In the Philippines, the minimum expectation is to put the bolts and nubs of accountability in place and working. But first in the coming presidential race, the imperative is to scrutinize the aspirants in terms of their record of transparency and accountability while in office and their capability to make the system work. Each of them should show that he/she upholds the sovereign will of the people and the supremacy of law with a performance record of acts, legislations, or programs pursued solely for public interest and that none among his family or friends was enriched in the process.

The challenge to the aspirants really is to understand, imbibe, and practice the culture of accountability. An elective position, especially the president, is the highest form of public service: The power is entrusted to him/her by the sovereign people only to perform service, and nothing else. This means being one with and for the people: Actions and decisions articulate and are responsive to the rights and collective interests of the people. He should take at heart the provisions of the Constitution and the code of ethics: To uphold and protect the national interest at all times, and to serve with the highest ethics and integrity anytime. The presidency embodies the highest sense of patriotism and an oath to serving only the people. The aspirant must be change-oriented, in all its ramifications. Have we forgotten that self-sacrifice, nationalism, and integrity are the highest virtues that make a true political leader?

The President is accountable to the people – not to the office of the president, not to financial backers or allies.

All these may sound a tall order suggesting even that none of the current aspirants may be equal to the task. But in these days of searching for “good governance” and a trustworthy leadership, a principle of accountability is an absolute precondition for those aspiring to become President. Absent this, the coming election, assuming it will push through, will end up with a new face that is answerable to no one. It’s like having another Arroyo regime without Gloria. (Posted by (Bulatlat.com))

The Presidential Aspirants
CenPEG
Sept. 2, 2009

The number of aspirants for the Philippines’ 11th President is about 17. The list includes Vice-President Noli de Castro; former President Joseph E. Estrada; seven senators, led by former Senate President Manuel Villar, Jr. and Senators Mar Roxas III, Francis “Chiz” Escudero”, Loren Legarda, Jamby Madrigal, Richard Gordon, Noynoy Aquino; Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay; three religious leaders, namely, Bro. Eddie Villanueva of JIL, Bro. Mike Velarde, El Shaddai, and Fr. “Among” Ed Panlilio, governor of Pampanga. The flock also includes lesser known figures, including Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando.

Roxas announced Sept. 1 his withdrawal from the race in favor of Noynoy Aquino.

The race will likely narrow down by November to about three, Villar (dubbed by Forbes-Asia as the ninth wealthiest Filipino), Estrada, and Aquino, or even five if De Castro and Escudero are included. De Castro, who postures as an independent, has been invited by Malacanang to make himself available for the presidency under Kampi and Lakas-CMD. But he knows that being anointed by the incumbent president, Mrs. Gloria M. Arroyo, is a “kiss of death.” There are talks that with the incumbent administration devoid of any winnable candidate –especially if De Castro will not bite Arroyo’s offer – Malacanang may just enter into a “negotiated election” with any of the top contenders.

Eventually, the rest of the aspirants will be chosen for the No. 2 spot in a coalition of political parties, money, and machinery. Who has sole possession of these resources will be nominated for the presidency en route to Malacanang. Reminiscent of past presidential contests, the coming weeks and months will see a series of turncoats or political butterflies gravitating toward who they believe will win and guarantee their own victory in the local polls. Traditional politics in the Philippines remains unchanged since the 1900s.

The May 2010 election, expected to be the most acrimonious ever, has given rise to “reform” candidates as a result of popular frustrations over the current political system and by the need to bring new albeit moderate faces in an election dominated by traditional politicians (trapos). But Among Ed, earlier groomed as the “reform” bet, is giving way to Noynoy Aquino while another, Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca, may just end up in a senatorial slate.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno, who has brought judicial activism to the high court, had earlier been pushed to take a shot at the presidency as the alternative “moral force.” Having denied any political plans, however, Puno’s burden is to make sure the SC will play a balancing act in a possible scenario of failure of elections in which case a holdover President will be needed to avert a constitutional crisis. But then Puno is set to retire in May 2010.

Four other names from the Party-list system will likely run for the Senate: Satur Ocampo and Teddy Casino, both of Bayan Muna; Liza Maza, Gabriela Women’s Party; and Riza Hontiveros-Baraquel, Akbayan. CenPEG 2009

Pages: 1 2